Players Like...

❤ Unconventional Search and Discovery

The core gameplay revolves around searching a police database for short video clips of a woman being interviewed. By typing keywords, players uncover snippets of her dialogue, which then inform their next search queries. This nonlinear, exploratory approach to storytelling stands in stark contrast to traditional game structures with prescribed objectives and progression.

❤ Immersive 1990s Desktop

The experience takes place entirely within the convincing simulation of an old 1990s-era computer. Players navigate menus, type on a virtual keyboard, and watch low-resolution video clips play out on the CRT-style monitor. This strong sense of time and place helps pull players into the role of a detective scouring archived police footage. The limitations of this desktop interface, such as only being able to view the first five search results, force players to think strategically about their keyword choices. This adds an extra layer of challenge and immersion to the investigative process.

❤ Constructing the Narrative

With no predetermined order to the video clips, players must actively piece together the story for themselves. The nonlinear structure means the timeline is not always clear, and players have to pay close attention to contextual details to make sense of the unfolding events. This open-ended approach allows for multiple interpretations and personal investment in the narrative. Rather than passively consuming a fixed story, players shape their own understanding of the central character's motivations and the underlying mystery.

❤ Rewarding Detective Work

Searching for keywords, watching clips, and making deductions feels genuinely detective-like. Players must carefully listen to the woman's dialogue, take notes on important details, and use that information to guide their next search. Successfully uncovering a new clip or making a key connection provides a tangible sense of progress and accomplishment. The lack of handholding or hints forces players to think critically, drawing their own conclusions without reliance on external guidance. While this can be challenging at times, it heightens the satisfaction of piecing together the full story on one's own terms.